Come for the Mission, Stay for the Team
At specialinterestfilms, we’re all about teamwork—but don’t worry, we’re not your cliché ‘big happy family’ type of company. Here, we skip the corporate fluff and embrace authenticity. Why do we exist? Because we wanted to break away from the ordinary and create something meaningful, something different. Sound like your kind of vibe? If you’re ready to leave the status quo behind, join us, make your mark, and be part of something truly special.
Our Values
Solutions
We collaborate closely with both clients and team members to tackle the challenges they face head-on. Let’s be real—video production is full of potential pitfalls, and things can (and often will) go off course. But that’s no excuse to complain. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, channel that energy into finding solutions. After all, problem-solving is productive—whining is just irritating.
Humility
We prioritize the needs of our clients and colleagues above our own. At the end of the day, our videos aren’t made for robots, egos, or even cacti—they’re made for people. Humility is the foundation of everything we do, shaping how we collaborate and serve our clients. In short: no jerks allowed.
Initiative
When something needs fixing, we step up and handle it without waiting for permission. If you’re sitting around expecting someone else to take action, chances are, it won’t get done. Let’s face it—we all have a lot on our plates, and there’s always something that needs sorting out. So, step up, take ownership, and make it happen.
Trust
Trust isn’t something we expect—it’s something we earn. We build it by solving problems, approaching others with humility, and stepping up when opportunities arise. If you connect the dots, you’ll notice all our other values work together to create Trust. And yes, we planned that intentionally. Convenient? Absolutely. But also meaningful.
Our Benefits
Health Plans
Employees are provided with medical, dental, and vision insurance through Aetna and MetLife, along with access to on-demand primary care services via One Medical. To support a more robust wellness program, employees can also utilize personal health advocacy services through Health Advocate. The company covers base premiums, which include additional benefits such as Long- and Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation.
PTO
Employees are entitled to time off for personal use, vacation, illness, or to care for themselves or a loved one. Paid time off (PTO) begins accruing upon hire at a rate of 15 days per year. Employees with more than three years of service will accrue PTO at an increased rate of 20 days annually. PTO can be used for a variety of reasons, including rest, personal matters, or family care. Unused PTO can be carried over, allowing employees to maintain a flexible and supportive time-off plan.
Commuter Benefits
We aim to make your commute more convenient. Free parking is available at our Old Town Alexandria office, subject to availability. Additionally, 522 offers commuter credits that can be used for ride-sharing, parking, and public transportation.
Holidays
We’re passionate about our work, but we understand the importance of taking time off to stay balanced. Our PTO plan ensures you get the rest you need when it matters most. In addition to the 11 Federal Holidays, 522 will now close the office for an entire week between Christmas and New Year’s. Plus, we’re celebrating your birthday as an official holiday—because we think your parents would approve!
Flex Hours
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, we’ve got you covered. We offer flexible hours and the option to work from home to accommodate busy schedules, large families, and your peak productivity times. While we maintain an eight-hour workday (or more when needed), we believe that a little flexibility can go a long way in supporting your work-life balance.
New Parent Leave
Family is our top priority, and we recognize that becoming a parent is a big moment. That’s why new mothers are given up to 12 weeks of paid time off. We don’t forget about the dads either— they receive up to 4 weeks of paid time off to bond with the family and tackle those midnight diaper runs (we’re familiar with the routine!).